Does Updating Stereo Hurt Value?

Keep it in a box, drive your car as you would want to enjoy it. Forget everybody else or what it's worth. You are not going to be devaluing it.

 

I have just swapped out the stereo on my manual 430 and I couldn’t be happier I did so. For value, as you say, keep the original in a box (and the original speakers and code card) and offer it when selling, and you will find value unaffected.

The general rule is that modifications have to be Easily reversible. So, no new speaker holes, and if you cut up your carpets buyers may be deterred. But if the original stuff can just slot back in (even if nobody would actually do that, why would they), you will be fine.

Enjoy your proper sounds!

 

It's funny about the radio issue with these cars. First off, they are their own music. Second, most are so darn loud that it would take a monster system just to hear it. Third, at that sound level, you'd have to wear hearing protection to keep from having hearing loss. Fourth, what would be the point then?

Someone paid a lot of money to install a large and powerful system in my car. They put in over 40lbs. of wire along with the other heavy junk that went along with it. The speakers weighed in at nearly 80lbs. with their custom enclosures. In the process, they ruined the B pillars. Unfortunately, the car didn't come with the original radio. I bought one on eBay and sent it to the manufacturer for refit along with an upgrade for bluetooth. Haven't turned it on yet. Car's a heck of a lot lighter though.

So please, if you're going to butcher your car with aftermarket equipment, please do it respectfully so it can be reversed and keep the original parts for the next owner.

 

i upgraded my gated f430 and sold it with the oem parts in a box. We used a pulg in harness and didn‘t cut any part of the car. No effect on reslae value and I was able to enjoy bluetooth and nav in the car.

 

Since an original 6speed is really a collectable car as the last manual V8 Ferrari, you want to be able to easily revert back to original. That means no cutting or splicing to put in a new system. With the loudness on these cars, don’t bother upgrading the speakers. Put in a different head unit using a correct plug and keep all the old stuff in a box with the manual, removal keys and radio card for the next owner who may just be looking to add a manual 430 to their collection and want it in original condition.

 

Agree that I'd only do things that are easily reversible. I did the head unit because the original is unapologetically, trash. I'll keep it in the box for the next guy. A head unit swap wouldn't make me skip a car, but if I saw subwoofers or any other customer work around it I definitely would think twice. The primary reason for swapping out the head unit for me was to add Bluetooth capability in case I get call or need to make a quick call.

 

I'll be honest here, if the only reason you are upgrading is to get bluetooth and you ever plan on having a 3rd party exhaust without valves. Skip it. I have bluetooth with my factory radio in my 430 and it's useless because of the engine noise. I have to use my AirPods to have a conversation while driving. This opinion may change when my Klein valved exhaust is installed (it's on order), but with my Fabspeed X-Pipe, you can't hold a conversation. The same thing goes for the navigation. I'm better off using a phone window mount, with my AirPods for the nav voice instructions. Yes I have the factory Nav installed, but that's because I like the option when I have limited cellphone reception which can happen on some remote drives, but with a car like a Ferrari, you need Wayze to know where you can and cannot drive fast.

 

Another reason to not upgrade would be entering a concourse event, you will get dinged. To me it is important keeping it stock for show purposes.

Otherwise, I say, remove it, put in what you want and you can always install the OEM when you resell.

 

I want to take my stereo out of my car. I could care less the resale I'm in it for the long haul

 

I have Fabspeed headers, and the vacuum lines are disconnected. I won't say it's easy to hear, but it's not awful either. Just a lot easier if I need to call my wife and see if she needs anything from the store before I come home, or if I get a call I can answer it real quick. Also, if I take a long trip, cruising in 6th gear wouldn't be much of an issue. On the trip from Arizona to Texas I had my Bose QC35, but I never felt comfortable driving with headphones on, and eventually the battery on the headphones died. As a bonus, my head unit comes with a phone holder attachment which comes in handy. So yes, if you are trying to have a conversation under heavy shifting/driving it's not much good; but if you're cruising, IMO it's better than not having it, and safer than wearing headphones while driving.

 

I spent a great deal on a stereo upgrade. The original was shot, staticky, poor reception and no Bluetooth or Apple car play. The speaker cones were rotted. 15 yr old F430. Upgrade replaced all speakers and head unit, added everything modern and made it feel like a modern high tech car. Cruising in 6th below 3500 rpm I can hear everything well. The phone mic is a noise cancelling one so no background noise. I added sound deadening to the doors and had speaker enclosures built behind the original door panel. It looks totally original except for the head unit with has a 7 in screen that fits below the a/c vents. Everything original is in a box and it can be converted back to original, but I have to ask-- who in their right mind would want that? If anything, I think it increases the value, enjoyment and usability of the car especially with the front and rear cameras. I know if I were buying the car or one like it I would pay extra to have what I have installed professionally, but this is me. Here is a link as to what was done

 

Save the original and put in what you want. Since you have a unicorn(gated), I think you need not worry about a negative price impact. However for the purist, which includes people like yours truely, keep the original radio so it can be swapped back.

 

I upgraded my amp that fits under the dash and new Focal 6 inch speakers in the doors (no cutting) with two new subs to replace the existing in the centre unit.
Got it all from Mike at Scuderia Audio.
The uprated amp and speakers are amazing, all fits as original, just have to return the old amp to Mike.
Everything fitted perfectly.
The sound is awesome now, powerful and sharp.
Only listen to music on long journeys as the exhaust note is preferred most of the time with my Fabspeed headers..

 

Mike @ Scuderia Audio is a superb human being. I originally tried his hifi replacement speakers which I hated. So he said send them back for full credit, no questions asked.... I promptly upgraded to their super amp and JL sub enclosure. Beautiful quality and sound. Hands down one of the best vendors I've dealt with in the car community. This is a man that stands behind his word!

 

I will be upgrading my system with a Kenwood Deck, Focal Components, JL Audio Sub/s and amp. Top of the line. There will be a custom in closure in between the seats against the rear wall. It will look factory to 99% of people who look at it. There will also still be the correct amount of room on each side for the Schedoni Luggage Set. The stereo is not that great in the car so it must go. I will however make sure nothing is cut and all factory parts including the radio code card stay with the car.

 

I thought I'd share a few photos of my custom (beige/beige) sub enclosure from Scuderia Audio. Back of sub is wrapped in Alcantara. Mike turned this around in 48 hours. Looks pretty OEM.
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For sure upgrade it. I love the sound of my exhaust, but, music is always a necessity.

 

This page might be older but I have a question. I am thinking of putting a new radio in my manual 430. The stock radio is just about the worst system I have ever seen. Why does a company that produces a nice sports car use such a horrible system? The manual is as think as a novel. I do not need anything too fancy. Just a screen for Apple car play, new speakers, small amp and I want to use the screen for a back up camera. I think everyone knows backing up a 430 is a pain in the neck. Does anyone have a recommendation for a car stereo system that is from 2023 or 2024?